March 13, 2005 – The second weekend of the NRC calendar started today in
Fresno California with the Kearney Park Circuit Race. From the profile
of the course it looked as if it would be a day for the sprinters as
there was an elevation gain of feet feet per 15 mile lap for a grand total
of 25 feet of climbing for the entire 75 mile race. So it was a shock to
many when Quark’s super climber Annette Beutler came across the finish
line first. The first two laps of the race were a chess game in which
teams were marking each other. One break of 10 riders did manage to get
away but the presence of a couple of the big sprinters prevented the
break from working smoothly together. As the peloton was absorbing the
remnants of the break other riders countered and the wining break of the
day was formed.

A group containing Annette Beutler of Quark, Michelle
Beltran (Colavita), Christine Thorburn (Webcor), Kori Seehafer
(T-Mobile) and Starr Falk (Los Gatos). The break maintained an advantage
of 35 seconds for two laps over a second group of 20 riders which
contained most of the sprinters. Most people watching assumed the
sprinters would over take the break on the last lap so when the group of
5 turned into Kearney park for the finish it was a shock. The first to
jump was Quarks Beutler who held off a tough challenge from T-Mobile’s
Seehafer. Rounding out the podium was Webcors Thorburn another strong
climber. The second group on the road came in about a minute after the
leaders had finished and the dash to the line for sixth place and bragging
rights amongst the sprinters was won by Tina Mayolo-Pic of Quark. Riders
take to the streets of the Tower district for the Tower criterium
tomorrow which should be a day of redemption for the sprinters.

Kearney Park Circuit Race
Sr Women 1/2

1. Annette Beutler (Swiss) Quark Cycling Team
2. Kori Seehafer (USA) Quark Cycling Team
3. Christine Thornburn (USA) Webcor
4. Starr Falk (USA) Los Gatos
5. Michelle Beltran (USA) (Colavita / Cooking Light)
6. Tina Mayolo-Pic (USA) Quark Cycling Team